Treatment at Home for Common Ailments

Many common complaints can be treated simply at home, with a visit to the doctor being unnecessary. Your local pharmacist is trained to give advice about treatment of minor illness, and can give expert advice about over the counter medicines which may be helpful.

BACK PAIN Most bad backs begin as a result of strain due to poor lifting technique. Take painkillers ( paracetamol or ibuprofen;-ask your pharmacist if this is suitable for you) and try to carry on as normally as possible. 80% of back pain will get better on its own in a short time. If your back does not improve after 2 weeks then it may be wise to consult your doctor.

BURNS Soak with large quantities of cold water as soon as possible and continue to do so for ten minutes. Do not puncture blisters or apply greasy ointments but cover with a loose, dry, dressing. If the burn is large or if the skin is broken or blistered, see the doctor or practice nurse or go to the nearest casualty department.

CHICKENPOX This common illness begins with feeling unwell and then the appearance of red spots in crops over 2-3 days. These spots blister and then dry into scabs. The infectious period is from 3 days before the spots appear until the spots have all dried. The itching can be relieved by use of cool baths, antihistamines or calamine lotion. If you are pregnant and have not had chickenpox it is important that you stay away from infectious people.

COLDS Even in this day and age there is no magic cure for the common cold. It is caused by a virus and antibiotics will not help. Paracetamol will help headaches, aching and fever, and a decongestant will help relieve congestion . Ask your pharmacist for advice.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION To prevent an unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or failed contraception, the 'morning after pill' can be taken up to 72 hours later. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. See or speak to your doctor to obtain a prescription.

FLU Flu is common in the winter months and can be avoided by having a flu vaccination annually in the autumn. This is available to everyone but is especially important if you are over 65, diabetic, asthmatic, or have heart, lung or kidney disease. Flu usually causes fever, sweats, headache, cough, aching and a feeling of weakness. There is no treatment for flu other than plenty of fluids and use of paracetamol for fever and aches. Antibiotics will have no effect. If your symptoms are not improving after 1 week then ask your doctor for advice.

HEADLICE This is very common in children and use of chemical applications should be avoided if possible. It can be cured by daily applications of conditioner to wet hair, and then thorough combing with a special nit comb available from the chemist. This must be continued for at least three weeks. Ask your health visitor for further information.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS Antihistamine tablets will relieve most symptoms and can be bought from your chemist.

NOSE BLEEDS Sit in a chair leaning forward with your mouth open, and firmly pinch the fleshy part of your nose, (just below the bone) for ten minutes. This should stop the bleeding . Avoid nose blowing or picking, and hot drinks and food for 24 hours. If bleeding continues for over an hour consult your doctor.

RASHES Rashes are common in children, are usually associated with a viral illness and will get better on their own. We do not need to see the child unless they are unwell with the rash.

SPRAINS Apply an ice pack (eg bag of frozen peas) for 30 minutes and elevate the affected part. Then apply a firm crepe bandage and rest as much as possible. If you are unable to bear any weight on the sprain after these measures, go to your local casualty department as an x-ray may be necessary.

SINUS PAIN Symptoms can be relieved by the use of paracetamol and steam inhalation of Karvol or menthol crystals etc. Use of a decongestant such as sudafed or otrivine nasal spray will also help. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

SORE THROATS These are usually caused by a viral infection and therefore will not respond to antibiotics. The old adage is that with antibiotics most sore throats will be better in a week, without antibiotics in seven days! See your doctor only if your symptoms are still getting worse after four days.

STOMACH ACHE Most stomach aches are not serious, and are caused by indigestion or wind. Colicky or windy pains will often be eased by use of a hot water bottle. If the pain lasts longer than eight hours or increases in intensity, then consult your doctor.

SUNBURN Prevention is the most important thing as repeated sunburn is associated with a higher incidence of skin cancer later in life. Everyone, especially children, should wear plenty of high protection sun cream, a tee-shirt and sunhat. They should stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. If sunburn occurs, cool the skin with cold water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine. Paracetamol will be helpful for children with sunburn.

THREADWORM This very common infection is to be suspected if anyone in the family complains of itching around the anus. The worms are visible as tiny white worms in the motion and they are spread by transmission of eggs under the nails of an affected person, by direct contact, and then fingers being put into the mouth. Treatment is advisable for all family members and is available cheaply from the chemist.

THE CHILD WITH A TEMPERATURE Children often run high temperatures with viral illnesses. We are well aware how worrying this can be for parents. Your child will feel much better if he or she can be cooled down. This can be achieved by removing some layers of clothing and giving them childrens' paracetamol four hourly. If your child remains hot then the use of a lukewarm wet flannel over the body will help the cooling process, as will the use of a fan, hairdryer on its coolest setting, or opening windows to increase circulation of air. If you are worried about your child or they fail to improve after 48 hours, then it is worth bringing them in to the surgery for a check.

MENINGITIS Remember that although this is every parents worst fear, it is still a very rare illness. In babies and small children worrying signs may be some or all of the following: High pitched cry Extreme irritability Floppiness or unusual drowsiness High temperature Vomiting Non-blanching rash - use the tumbler test;- press a glass tumbler against your child's skin and if the rash blanches under pressure then this is a reassuring sign. The rash of meningitis is typically purple and blotchy and will not blanch under pressure. In adults, symptoms of meningitis may be some or all of the following: Headache Neck pain or stiffness High temperature Vomiting Photophobia - dislike of bright lights. Rash - (see tumbler test above.) If you are worried call your doctor.